ObjectivesThe primary aims of the masters degree are to provide: * an understanding of and practical experience in the field of natural history film-making; * increased specialisation within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge relating to natural history film-making, encompassing biodiversity and screen studies; * in-depth knowledge of a specific area of natural history film-making study, obtained through a combination of coursework and research; and * vocational knowledge and skills in the fields of biodiversity and screen studies for environmental professionals. Learning outcomesThe expected learning outcomes for the masters degree include: * detailed knowledge of the extent of Australia's biodiversity and a critical awareness of the threat to biodiversity posed by human activities and current levels of extinction; * an advanced level of knowledge of the biological principles underlying biodiversity assessment, conservation and management; * a sound level of knowledge of the principles underlying natural history film-making, and the capacity to apply these principles to the production of natural history documentary films; * a sound level of knowledge of the technical, legal and commercial considerations involved in the production of natural history documentary films; * detailed knowledge in a breadth of subject areas relating to biological diversity and film production; * high level competence in a range of commonly employed documentary film production practices, including project research, script writing, production and post-production techniques; * high level competence in written and oral communication, problem-solving and critical thinking; and * the knowledge and skills to undertake research into aspects of wildlife, write scripts for natural history documentaries, and apply advanced techniques in production and filming of natural history documentaries.
Entry requirementsEntry to the degree is normally restricted to students with an approved degree either in Biological Sciences or Screen Studies. Students without any previous tertiary study in Biological Sciences must enrol in BIOD8016 Animal and Plant Diversity.The Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Academic titleMaster of Natural History Film-Making
Course descriptionThe Master of Natural History Film-Making is a 72-unit program offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Master of Natural History Film-Making, a student must complete 72 units of study with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
CORE TOPICS
30 units comprising:
SCRN8021
Natural History Film-Making 1: Introduction to Screen Production
6
SCRN8022
Natural History Film-Making 2: Research and Writing
6
SCRN8023
Natural History Film-Making 3: Working With Biodiversity
6
SCRN8024
Natural History Film-Making 4: Natural History Online
6
SCRN8025
Natural History Film-Making 5: Major Production Project
6
Plus - students with no background in Biodiversity must take:
BIOD8016
Animal and Plant Diversity
6
OPTIONAL TOPICS
Students may select 6-12 units from the following
Screen Studies optional topics:
SCRN7001
Critical and Theoretical Screen Studies
6
SCRN7001E
Critical and Theoretical Screen Studies (Part 1)
6
SCRN7001F
Critical and Theoretical Screen Studies (Part 2)
6
SCRN7060
Honours Project in Screenwriting
6
SCRN7075
Practicum in Screen Studies and Screen Industries (Honours)
6
SCRN8002
Legal Issues for Screen Production
6
SCRN8006
Non-Fiction Form and Ethics
6
SCRN8007
Multimedia Design
6
Students who take BIOD8016 Animal and Plant Diversity must take 24 units from the following, and may take up to 36 units, while students who have not taken BIOD8016 Animal and Plant Diversity must take 30 units from this list and may take up to 42 units.
Biology optional topics:
BIOD8101
Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
6
BIOD8002
Ecotourism: Principles and Practice
6
BIOD8003
Advanced Skills in Field Ecology
6
BIOD8005
Advanced Vertebrate Palaeontology
6
BIOD8006
Advanced Community Ecology
6
BIOD8007
Australian Floral Diversity
6
BIOD8008
Australian Reptiles
6
BIOD8009
Biodiversity Research Project A
6
BIOD8010
Australian Birds
6
BIOD8011
Australian Mammals
6
BIOD8012
Fungal Biodiversity
6
BIOD8014
Marine Biodiversity
6
BIOD8015
Australian Frogs
6
Except with the permission of the Faculty Board, a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken at the undergraduate level.